Three winners and three losers from Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal

Former Blue Kai Havertz pulled the Gunners back into the game, and was instrumental as Martin Odegaard fired in the winner after half-time.

Winners and losers from Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal

Xabi Alonso’s side battled hard and impressed at stages, however it seems as if this game came just a bit too early in the season for them.

Another defeat to Arsenal but not the worst performance. Who was our best player? Who needs to improve?

Winners

Romeo Lavia

Handed a third consecutive start in the Premier League, Romeo Lavia impressed again as he continues to fill the shoes left by Moises Caicedo’s injury.

The Belgian made three passes into the final third, whilst also winning all of his duels both on the ground and in the air.

It was a surprise when Lavia was taken off after an hour and replaced by Malo Gusto, a player who is yet to look truly comfortable in the heart of midfield.

Pedro Neto

For a player who was reportedly close to moving away this summer, Pedro Neto has started the 2026/27 campaign with a point to prove.

Again featuring in the wing-back position, he still managed to impact the game going forwards, hitting the post just before half-time.

Marco Palestra’s injury has certainly not been ideal for their start to the season preparations, but Neto is showing he can be a real force in that role.

Cole Palmer

No goal or assist today, but plenty of positives for Cole Palmer to take from this performance at the Emirates.

He was the main driving force for Chelsea going forwards, and was regularly picking the ball up in dangerous areas, testing David Raya on a couple of occasions.

Losers

Wesley Fofana

Wesley Fofana started in the less natural position of left-centre-back after Levi Colwill’s fitness issues, however he was undone for Arsenal’s second goal.

Havertz’s dummy dumbfounded the Frenchman, who in truth had looked under threat up against the Arsenal attack leading to their second goal.

With Josh Acheampong seemingly having the backing of Alonso, it looks as if Fofana is going to have to show improvement in order to hold down a starting place.

Emi Martinez

While David Raya will not have been happy with his goalkeeping for Rogers’ goal, fingers were pointed at Emi Martinez as Arsenal drew level in the first half.

Havertz’s shot beat the Argentine at his near post, and after making a number of saves to deny the onslaught which came after their opening goal.

Chelsea signed Martinez to replace Robert Sanchez so they did not have to worry about their goalkeeper in games like this. Unfortunately, all eyes were on the new Blues number one for this one.

Joao Pedro

A rare poor performance from Joao Pedro, who did not find any joy up against Gabriel and Ezri Konsa on his debut.

Even when he is isolated, the Brazilian can normally get something going up top, but this afternoon he struggled to keep hold of the ball.

It won’t be a regular occurrence by any means, but this was not Pedro’s day.